Apparatus for closing and opening a metal tube



Aug. 16, 1966 J. B. GILL 3,266,287

APPARATUS FOR CLOSING AND OPENING A METAL TUBE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledMarch 29, 1962 JOHN 3. S's/ya K M E I E- z ATTORNEYS Aug. 16, 1966 J. B.GILL 3,266,287

APPARATUS FOR CLOSING AND OPENING A METAL TUBE Filed March 29, 1962 2Sheets-Sheet 2 BIB--K JOHN B. GILL BY M #M E I E ATTORNEYS 3,266,237APPARATUS FOR CLGSlNG AND @PENKNG A METAL TUBE John lit. Gill, Box 2M7,Torrance, (Ialif. Filled Mar. 29, 1962, Ser. No. 183,581 7 Claims. (61.72--41ld) The present invention relates to a method and apparatus forclosing and opening a metal tube, and more particularly to an improvedtube clamping tool or apparatus having die surfaces capable of squeezinga metal tube into a closed position and also die surfaces capable ofsubstantially reshaping the tube to an open position.

Frequently it is desirable to hut-off metal tubes serving as waterlines, gas lines or the like at some point in the line without utilizingmain valves that would necessarily shut-off other lines not underrepair. It is known that where the pipes are composed of soft metal orother deformable material, the tube may be clamped shut and re-openedwith a tool containing dies for this purpose and means for clamping thedies relatively toward each other. Certain tools of this nature havebeen provided which are satisfactory for the purpose, but whichgenerally require that the dies be removed to convert the tool from theform capable of closing the tube to the form capable of opening thetube. In addition, certain of these tools require partial disassembly inorder to position the tool in a clamping position on the pipe or tube.

Other problems which have arisen include the formation of microcrackswhere the tube is squeezed together and re-opened, and these cracksserve as a weak point for corrosion that will ultimately weaken .thetube. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a clamping tool of thisnature in which various improvements are efiected to solve these andother problems which have been encountered in this type of tool.

Thus it is a primary object of this invention to provide a clamping toolfor closing and opening a permanently deformable tube such as a copperpipe with a pair of dies adapted for easy adjustment of the dies andsimplified application of the tool to the pipe.

Another object is to provide a clamping tool of the character describedhaving rounded contacting die surfaces for squeezing the tube shut whichminimize injury to the pipe such as the formation of small cracks.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an apparatus forclosing and opening a deformable tube which is capable of performingthese operations without seriously reducing the capability of the tubefor holding high fluid pressures.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus forclosing and opening a deformable tube of the character described whichopens the tube to substantially its original shape so as to not undulyrestrict the flow of fluids therethrough.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a tool for closingand opening a deformable tube having means for aligning the device onthe tube so as to provide a substantially transverse pitching action.

Yet another object is to provide a clamping tool for closing and openinga deformable tube in which the clamping action is effected through asingle screw means.

A still fuurther object is the provision of a method for closing andopening a deformable tube in which a clamping device of the abovedescribed character is utilized for closing and opening the tube, and inwhich the clamping tool is replaced while the tube is in the closedposition wih a simple clamp for holding the tube in such closedposition.

Further objects and advantages of my nvention will be apparent as thespecification progresses, and the new and useful features of my methodand apparatus for closing and opening a metal tube will be fully definedin the claims attached hereto.

In general, any deformable tube may be closed and opened according tothe present invention although the invention has been particularlydirected to such an operation on copper tubes. It has been found thatordinary copper tubes and even those having relatively thick walls suchas are used for standard water pipes may be closed and re-openedaccording to the invention with substantially no reduction of flowcharacteristics or pressure retaining ability. However, it iscontemplated that this tool may be suitable for use with other tubes orpipes such as polyethylene or other shapable plastics, and even iron,steel or aluminum tubes where the walls are sufficiently thin and themetal is sufficiently deformable to be closed and re-opened by theclosing and opening dies of this invention.

The preferred forms of my invention are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawing forming a part of this specification, in which:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view illustrating the ap paratus for closingand re-opening a deformable tube in position preparatory to squeezingthe tube closed and also illustrating the method of utilizing a simpleclamp for holding the tube closed so as to free the main tool forclosing or re-opening other tubes;

FIGURE 2, a view illustrating the apparatus of this invention as seen inthe plane of line 22 of FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 3, a view illustrating the auxiliary clamp which may be used inthe process form of this invention showing the clamp substantially asseen from line 33 of FIGURE 1 with the tube in cross-section as itappears in clamped position;

FIGURE 4, a view similar to that shown in FIGURE 2 except that certainof the parts are broken away and shown in section for the sake ofillustration, and the tool is shown in position after closing of thepipe has been effected;

FIGURE 5, a cross-sectional view of certain of the parts shown in FIGURE4 taken substantially in the plane of line 55 thereof;

FIGURE 6, a view better illustrating certain of the parts shown inFIGURE 4 as seen in the plane of line 6-6 thereof, and also illustratingthe appearance of the tube as it is closed by the tool of thisinvention; and

FIGURE 7, a fragmentary view of the clamping tool of this invention inoperative position for re-opening the tube and illustrating the mannerin which the tube is re-opened.

While I have shown only the preferred forms of my invention, it shouldbe understood that various changes or modifications may be made withinthe scope of the claims attached hereto without departing from thespirit of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail, there is shown a clamping tool orapparatus 11 for closing and re-opening a deformable tube, comprising aframe 312 which is preferably C-shaped as shown herein, and whichcarries a first section 13 and a second section 14 at a spaced distancefrom each other. The distance between the first and second section isvariable through means 16, which is adapted to move the first sectiontoward and away from the second section, and includes a screw 17attached for free rotation on the first section by means of a collar 18rotatably mounted therein. Screw 17 is threadably engaged with saidframe by threads I? which engage the internally threaded collar 20mounted in the frame, see FIGURE 4. Preferably, screw 17 carries ahandle 21 to supply leverage, and the handle preferably includes aratchet 22 for easy operation. Frame 12 also carries a handle 23 inorder to facilitate operation.

Although the preferred form illustrated in the drawings shows a singlescrew in combination with the above mentioned handles and ratchet, it isapparent that other forms may be used and that more than one screw couldbe used for clamping. However, the form here shown is preferred, becauseit provides an etficient operation with a comparatively simplestructure. Clamping is effected through screw 17 by engagement of thrustsurface 24, see FIGURES 4 and 6, while collar 18 serves to lift thefirst section operatively as the screw is rotated in reverse.

An essential feature of the clamping tool 11 is the provision of dies 26and 27 carried on the first and second section respectively and havingdie surfaces for closing and re-opening a tube when forced relativelytogether. As shown in the drawings, dies 26 and 27 are both rotatablymounted in their respective positions in frame 12 so that differentsurfaces of the die may be moved to operative position. Rotation may beeffected by knurled handles 28 having slots 29 therein so as to becapable of being turned by hand or by a screwdriver or like tool.

The dies 26 and 27 each include a die member 30 having a laterallyextending die surface 31 on one side thereof for squeezing a tube suchas copper pipe 32 to a closed position, and a die surface 33 on theother side thereof for opening a tube such as copper pipe 32 which hasbeen squeezed to the closed position, see FIGURE 7. The die surface 31,which is adapted to clamp a tube or pipe closed, has a generallyV-shaped cross-section and extends laterally across the full diameter ofthe pipe. Preferably the apex of the V is rounded into the legs of the Vas at 34, see FIGURE 6 in order to avoid sharp corners or edges. It hasbeen found that sharp edges form cuts or grooves into the pipe whichform cracks when the pipe is re-opened and the use of rounded surfacessolves this problem.

Die surface 33 which is used for reopening the pipe, includes a recess36 having a semi-circular cross-section and adapted to fit over one-halfof a pipe. Extending across the die surface 33 in the middle of therecess 36 is a grooved slot 37 adapted to fit over the edge of the pipeat the area where the pipe has been squeezed closed. These grooved slotsare important in clamping the pipe within the die so as to return thepipe in proper position where it is being re-opened, and also to preventthe flattened edges of the pipe from being re-opened to such an extentthat cracks may develop where the folds occurred.

In order to provide the desired die surfaces in precise position and inorder to maintain such precise positions, lock means 38 are provided oneach of the sections 13 and 14 of frame 12, see FIGURE 5. As shownherein, each lock means consists of a thumb screw 39 threaded intosection 13 or 14 having an end 41 adapted to fit into one of the holes42 of die 26 or 27. In the embodiment here shown, there are two diesurfaces oppositely disposed on each of the dies and therefore holes 42are similarly disposed 180 from each other.

In order to improve the alignment of the clamping tool 11 and pipe 32for affecting closing thereof, a guide device 43 is provided on thefirst section 13, see FIGURES 1 and 2. Guide device 43 is generallyU-shaped and adapted to fit over the die of the first section 13 and fitloosely around the screw 17. As best seen in FIGURE 2, guide device 43has a cut-out 44 on each leg of the U thereof adapted to fit over thepipe 32 and indicates the correct alignment at right angles to the diemembers of the clamping tool.

Guide device 43 is held against rotation, by fitting over a bifurcatedmember 46 of the first section 13, and a post 47 which is slidably heldin frame 12. Similarly, bifurcated member 46 is held in correctalignment while being free to move toward and away from the secondsection 14.

Correct alignment of bifurcated member 46 provides correct alignment ofdie 26, because die 26 is rotatably journaled therein. Die 27 is held incorrect alignment by 4 being journaled within flange 48 and bearing 49,both of which are integral with frame 12.

The correct alignment of the pipe and the tool is particularly importantto insure that the folds which are formed as the pipe is closed aredirectly across from each other and perpendicular to the axis of thepipe. If these folds deviate too greatly from the perpendicular, theytend to form weak points as the pipe is re-opened to substantially itsoriginal shape. In addition, if the folds are not directly across fromeach other, the pipe is necessarily somewhat inclined to the die as thepipe is being reopened.

In operation, the copper tube or similar pipe to be closed is examinedand an appropriate place for closing selected by the operator. In theevent that the pipe is in the ground, sufficient digging is carried outto allow the clamping tool to be placed in position and the handlesoperated. With the closing position selected and prepared, the clampingtool 11 is placed on the pipe by opening the screw 39 and positioningdies 26 and 27 so that the V- shaped die surfaces 31 are opposed andlocking the die surfaces in position by tightening thumb screw 39 intothe appropriate holes 42. The first section is also moved away from thesecond section if necessary by rotation of screw 17 so as to provide asufficient opening for the pipe to fit therebetween.

The tool is then placed over pipe 32 as shown in FIG- URES 1 and 2 byinserting the pipe 32 through opening 51 in the C frame 12. The properalignment is made using guide device 43 and clamping is begun byrotating handle 21 while holding the clamp against rotation by means ofhandle 23, see FIGURE 4. In this way, the first section 13 is forcedagainst second section 14 so that pipe 32 is squeezed flat as shown inFIGURES 4 and 6.

With the pipe thus closed, Work may be conducted on the downstream sideof the fluid line without loss of material due to leakage, because anexceptionally good shutoff is obtained. When the work to be carried outis comparatively simple, and the off time comparatively short, it may bedesirable to leave the shut-off tool in this position while work isbeing carried out. However, in the event that the work is to be of longduration, or it is desired to use the clamping tool for other jobs, itmay be desirable to remove the clamping tool from pipe 32. When theclamping tool is thus removed, the pipe is no longer free from leakage.In such a case an auxiliary clamp 52 may be used.

In general, any clamp which serves to hold the closed sides of the pipetightly together will be satisfactory, and the clamp shown in FIGURES land 3 is simply illustrative of a clamp that may be used. This clamp 52eomprises a pair of opposed sections 53 having opposed clamping surfaces54 which are tightly held together by screws 56. As here shown, thescrew 56 fits through one section and abuts thereagainst by means ofshoulders 57 while threadably engaging the other section.

While it is desired to reopen the pipe, the clamping tool 11 orauxiliary clamp 52 is removed and the clamping tool 11 is adjusted forre-opening the pipe. This adjustment is achieved by opening the firstsection by unscrewing the screw 17 and opening thumb screws 33 so thatthe dies 26 and 27 may be rotated. Die surfaces 33 are then brought intoopposed position by rotation of dies 26 and 27 through knurled handle 28and locked in the proper position by tightening thumb screws 39 so thatthe ends 41 engage in the appropriate holes 42.

With the clamping tool 11 prepared for re-opening the pipe, the tool isslipped on the pipe through opening 51 in the C frame thereof, and anedge of the pipe closure is fitted into the grooved slot 37 of the diesurface 33 in the second section 14 of the tool. Handle 21 is thenrotated to bring the first section toward the second section with theclamping tool held so that grooved slot 37 of die surface 33 in die 26engages the other edge of the closed pipe. With both edges so engaged,handle 21 is rotated further and the pipe begins to re-open as shown inFIGURE 7.

Handle 21 is then rotated further until the two die surfaces 33 meet,and at this time the pipe 32 is substantially re-shaped to its originalconfiguration.

As pointed out above, the folded portions of the pipe are not flattenedout and in this way the pipe is not completely re-rounded. This isdesirable to preserve the strength characteristics of the pipe where thesevere fold occurred. However, tests have shown that the frictionaleffect or pressure drop across a piece of pipe which has been closed andre-opened in this manner is only a matter of say about three feet for aA pipe. This three feet of equivalent pipe length is considerably lessthan that for most conventional pipe fittings.

From the foregoing description it is seen that I have provided animproved apparatus for opening and closing a deformable tube which issimple in construction and efficient in operation. In addition, it isseen that the use of my tool has very little adverse effect on the pipeclosed and reopened thereby.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for pinching closed and squeezing open a deformabletube, comprising a frame having a first section and a second section ata spaced distance from said first section, a rotatable die pivotallymounted in and carried by said first section, means for moving saidfirst section toward and away from said second section, and a rotatabledie pivotally mounted in and carried by said second section forproviding opposed die surfaces similar to those of the die in the firstsection.

2. The apparatus for pinching closed and squeezing open a deformabletube as defined in claim 1, in which the first and second rotatable dieseach include a die member having a laterally extending die surface onone side thereof for squeezing a tube to a closed position, said diesurface having a generally V-shaped cross section, and a die surface onthe other side of said member for opening a tube which has been squeezedto the closed position, said die surface including a recess having asemicircular cross-section adapted to fit over one-half of a tube andhaving a grooved slot extending across the die surface in the middle ofthe recess.

3. The apparatus for pinching closed and squeezing open a deformabletube as defined in claim 1, in which the first and second rotatable dieseach include a die member having a later-ally extending die surface onone side thereof for squeezing a tube to a closed position, said diesurface having a generally V-shaped cross-section, and a die surface onthe other side of said member for opening a tube which has been squeezedto the closed position, said die surface including a recess having asemi-circular cross-section adapted to fit over one-half of a tube andhaving a grooved slot extending across the die surface in the middle ofthe recess, and lock means for holding the die surfaces of the diemembers in operative position for closing the tube and in operativeposition for opening the tube.

4. An apparatus for pinching closed and squeezing open a deformabletube, comprising a generally C-shaped frame having a first section and asecond section at a spaced distance from said first section with an openside for easy movement of a pipe laterally between said first and secondsection, a rotatable die pivotally mounted in and carried by said firstsection including a first rotatable die member having a plurality of diesurfaces, lock means for holding any one of said die surfaces of thefirst die member in an operative position, a rotatable die pivotallymounted in and carried by said second section including a secondrotatable die member having a plurality of die surfaces, lock means forholding any of the die surfaces of said second rotatable die member inoperative position, said die surfaces on the first and second diemembers being similar in configuration, and means for moving said firstsection toward and away from said second section.

5. An apparatus for pinching closed and squeezing open a deformabletube, comprising a generally C-shaped frame having a first section and asecond section at a spaced distance from said first section with an openside for easy movement of a pipe laterally between said first and secondsection, a rotatable die pivotally mounted in and carried by said firstsection including a first die member having a laterally extending diesurface on one side thereof for squeezing a metal tube to a closedposition, said die surface having a generally V-shaped cross-sectionwith the apex of the V being rounded into the legs of the V, and a diesurface on the other side of said first die member for opening a metaltube which has been squeezed to a closed position, said die surfaceincluding a recess having a semicircular cross-section adapted to fitover one-half of a pipe and having a grooved slot extending across thedie surface in the middle of the recess, lock means for holding any oneof said die surfaces of the first die member in an operative position, arotatable die pivotally mounted in and carried by said second sectionincluding a second die member having a laterally extending die surfaceon one side thereof for squeezing a metal tube to a closed posi tion,said die surface having a generally V-shaped crosssection with the apexof the V being rounded into the legs of the V, and a die surface on theother side of said second die member for opening a metal tube which hasbeen squeezed to a closed position, said die surface including a recesshaving a semi-circular cross-section adapted to fit over one-half of apipe and having a grooved slot extending across the die surfaces in themiddle of the insert, lock means for holding any of the die surfaces ofsaid second rotatable die member in operative position, and means formoving said first section toward and away from said second section.

6. The apparatus for pinching closed and squeezing open a deformabletube as defined in claim 5, in which the means for moving said firstsection toward and away from said second section includes a screwattached for free rotation on said first section and threadably engagedwith said frame so as to move the first section with respect to theframe on rotation of the screw.

7. An apparatus for pinching closed and squeezing open a deformabletube, comprising a generally C-shaped frame having a first section and asecond section at a spaced distance from said first section with an openside for easy movement of a pipe laterally between said first and secondsection, a die in said first section including a first die member havinga laterally extending die surface on one side thereof for squeezing ametal tube to a closed position, said die surface having a generallyV-shaped cross-section with the apex of the V being rounded into the:legs of the V, and a die surface on the other side of said first diemember for opening a metal tube which has been squeezed to a closedposition, said die surface including a recess having a semi-circularcross-section adapted to fit over one-half of a pipe and having agrooved slot extending across the die surface in the middle of therecess, lock means for holding any one of said die surfaces of the firstdie member in an operative position, a die in said second sectionincluding a second die member having a laterally extending die surfaceon one side thereof for squeezing a metal tube to a closed position,said die surface having a generally V-shaped cross-section with the apexof the V being rounded into the legs of the V, and a die surface on theother side of said second die member for opening a metal tube which hasbeen squeezed to a closed position, said die surface including a recesshaving a semi-circular crosssection adapted to fit over one-half of apipe and having a grooved slot extending across the die surface in themiddle of the insert, and lock means for holding any of the die surfacesof said second rotatable die member in operative position, a guidedevice carried on the first section for positioning the pipe in properalignment in the apparatus, and means for moving said first sectiontoward and away from second section including a single screw attachedfor free rotation on said first section and threadably engagedReferences Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Marshall 29-4709X Bock.

Unger 153-48 X Specht.

Wallis 153-48 8 6/1956 Draper et a1. 153-48 4/1962 Harper 153-51 X12/1962 Lynch 81-15 X 1/1964 Graven 72-416 FOREIGN PATENTS 1884 GreatBritain.

JOHN F. CAMPBELL, Primary Examiner. 10 WHITMORE A. WILTZ, Examiner. J.D. HOBART, Assistant Examiner.

1. AN APPARATUS FOR PINCHING CLOSED AND SQUEEZING OPEN A DEFORMABLETUBE, COMPRISING A FRAME HAVING A FIRST SECTION AND A SECOND SECTION ATA SPACED DISTANCE FROM SAID FIRST SECTION, A ROTATABLE DIE PIVOTALLYMOUNTED IN SAID CARRIED BY SAID FIRST SECTION, MEANS FOR MOVING SAIDFIRST SECTION TOWARD AND AWAY FROM SAID SECOND SECTION, AND A ROTATABLEDIE PIVOTALLY MOUNTED IN AND CARRIED BY SAID SECOND SECTION FORPROVIDING OPPOSED DIE SURFACES SIMILAR TO THOSE OF THE DIE IN THE FIRSTSECTION.